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QUEEN VICTORIA enters on her seventieth year to-day, and in celebration of her birthday the British empire keeps high holiday. It requires No Insignificant fest

of the Imagination to realise all that it implied in this simple statement. There la not another human being on the face of the earth the anniversary of whose nativity would produoe snch an effect or attract so much attention. The British flag flies over one-fifth of the habitable aorface of the globe and along every ooaan highway. Her Majesty's sceptre has no less than 320 millions of people under its ?way. The territory Included within the frostier* of the empire comprises portions of every great division of the globe. From centre to circumference the thunder of cannon and the unceasing strains of the national anthem will to-day give expres sion to the national sentiment. If perhaps the display of enthusiasm is some what less than that of last year, when the flame of loyalty was fanned to its whitest glow by the near approach of the ever memorable jubilee, it will still exhibit an intensity of fervor commensurate with its extensive range. Loyalty to the throne and attachment to the person of the sovereign are sentiments ingrained in the British character, and the Briton enjoys displaying them. For him self he is simply übiquitous. In dulging his roving disposition and love of adventure, or else impelled by his com mercial Instincts, he has penetrated every* where. There is scarcely a centre of popu lation In the world without its colony or coterie of Englishman, and they will gather to-day and In some appropriate fashion celebrate the event which renders tangible their union with the mother country. It matters little to them whether for the time they are surrounded by tokens of autocratic rule or the in?tg?u of re publicanism—they will testify their ad hesion to the monarchy and add their quota to the general acdamations. Foreigners wonder at It, and sometimea set it down to the incomprehensible eccen tricities of John BulL They sneer at the assumption of superiority and the unrestrained expression of patriotic pride that characterise him wherever he goes, and occasionally suggest that he is ?gtr|U*"^^'tr^ly to foA spirit of the age, but he does not aee any thing to explain away or to apologise for. iTo him it is a settled conviction that the j nation to which he belongs has no equal, I its government is the best there is under the sun, and his queen is the noblest and worthiest of all sovereigns. If he does not formulate all this either In thought or speech It is none the less certainly his creed, and it renders his homage willing ) and sincere. : Her Majesty deserves the affection and honor she receives. It is possible that here and there some cynic may look scornfully on the national impulse, and assert that It Is not justified; but it so he is either ignorant or prejudiced. The un paralleled splendor of her reign goes far to silence such objections, but there axe stronger reasons .even than that. The expansion and glory of England are incidents of It, bat It need not be said that they are to be ascribed to the nominal ruler. As a matter of fact the people themselves are the rulers of the empire, and the Executive holds office only oy their sovereign will. In the British Constitution the monarch reigns,

but does not govern. Daring the present reign the policy of the nation has been changed again and again, and the duty of carrying it out has been contrasted to an administration that has depended for Its very existence on the popular vote. We cannot therefore Indulge in ascriptions that might be ap propriate were we under an unlimited despotism. Yet the functions that are inseparable from the dignity of reigning over such an empire are diversified and important, and the duties neither light | nor easy. It is said that 28,000 de spatches have passed through the Foreign Office in a single year, and with the sub- j stance of each one the Queen made her self personally familiar. For the success ful conduct of this immense mass of cor respondence untiring Industry and self devotion are required, together with an amount of statesmanlike capacity and tact that may well excite our admiration. Nor is her Majesty's connection with the business of the State merely formal and official. Her Ministers have over and over again acknowledged the clearness and aoand ne?s of her judgment, the accuracy of her knowledge, and the greatness of her per sonal infiaence. It is notorious that in many weighty affairs these hare been em ployed, and with the best possible results. To say that ehe has reigned with extraordinary wisdom is to utter the veriest truitm, but after all it Is her personal character that wins the highest applause. To the stupendous task that was laid upon her when a girl of 18 she brought only qualities that might seem wholly inadequate. Her chief attributes appeared to be modesty, gentleness, and purity, with unbounded self-devotion. They at once took captive the heart of the nation, and as yean have rolled by it has been found that they constituted a higher equipment than was even imagined. In the light of subsequent history we can see that in them lay all that was required, and j that they have made her equal to any emergency. Perhaps there should be added the quick intelligence which is one of woman's richest endowments, and that {s often more trustworthy than the logical faculty however acute. Exercising these gifts Queen Victoria has wielded a power "broad-based upon the people's will" without either straining her prerogative or lowering her dignity. For more than fifty years she hu lived and moved nnder the "fierce light that beats upon a throne and blackens every blot" without suffering from its search ing illumination. How much of benefit the nation ' has derived from the example of her home life it is impossible to say, but some faint conception may be formed by imagining the effect had it been like some others that history records. We have only to consider what the national life would have been like had the court of Queen Victoria been a hotbed of scandal like that of Queen Elizabeth, or a focus of intrigue around a weak-willed puppet like that of Queen Anne, to realise in some measure how much we hare to be thankful for. Even the one complaint that is most frequently heard ought not to be endorsed by the public generally. London tradespeople say the Queen Is too much addicted to frugality and retirement. Of course the example of lavish expenditure would be contagious and help to fill their pockets, but surely as a people we do not need any such attmnlns to prodigal ex penditure. The tendency is quite strong enough on that side as it is, especially among the plutocracy, and we can aee posribQtie? of boundless —tMfliir* flowing from a court in which display and ex travagance an encouraged. The home liness and good sense of the Queen, as shown In this respect, have reduced the risk. The widowed condition of the Queen, the dispersion of her children, and the domestic sorrows that have fallen to her lot, have introduced a singular blending of pathos with reverence in the general' regard. Successive events have bereft her of those who were nearest and dearest, and her position now is one of magnifi cent loneliness. Xt it long since *m^ streaming tears she said, with touching simplicity, "There is no one left to call me Victoria now." The oocurrenoes of the past year must have made this sense of isolation more keen. The death of the^Emperor William tenders her soli tary splendor more than ever conspicuous, for he divided with her the dalm to veneration. An empress herself, and j owning another Empress Victoria for her j daughter, the shadow cast on that daughter's life by the oontinued and alarming illness of her husband must to some extent obscure the brightness of her own. Whatever consolation can be J afforded by the oossoless and spontaneous sympathy of her people she has in full I measure. Though she is now advanced in age she comes of a long-lived and vigorous race, and there is good ground for hoping that she may yet see many nappy and prosperous years. Contented with her rule and appreciating her excel lencies, this will be the burden of her I people's prayer to-day, embodied in the ! time-honored formula —"God save the Queen." _________ The report of Dr. Sohomburgk on the Botanic Garden for the year 1887 is of an unusually satisfactory character. The energetic director of this popular resort had promised that during the jubilee year he would, in anticipation of an influx of visitors fiom the other colonies, specially exert hinuelf to make his beautiful <*omalo as bright and gay as possible. His efforts were remarkably suoceasfuL The garden has never presented a more attractive appearance than it did last year. Visitors were unanimous In their expres sions of admiration, and further testimony was afforded that under Dr. Sohomburgk's loving care the Botanic Garden has become the pride and glory of the city. It is the more to the credit of the worthy : director that these gratifying results have been secured in spite of the disadvantage of a reduction of the funds placed at his disposal. Dr. Schomburgk Is beginning to view with some anxiety the Increasing tendency of Parliament to out down the Botanic Garden rote. He desires tut simply to maintain the excellence of the institution, but to add to its attractions and extend its use fulness. Progress, however, is impossible unless adequate means are supplied. Further curtailments of the staff have been necessitated by the reduction of the annual grant, and If this process is con tinued the doctor will be enable to keep the institution up to the old standard, much less to accomplish desirable improve ments. Last year the garden enjoyed the advantage of a splendid season. ? Meady 2G inches of rain fell during the year, and vegetation of all kinds flourished. The flow?r parterres, garden beds, and borders presented a blaze of lovely blooms. Trees

and Bhrnba and every description of foliage plants grew with unusual luxu riance. The verdancy of the lawns set off (he gay and varied hoes of the flowering plants, and in all directions were to be witnessed the pleasing indi cations of nature's bountiful gift of rain. Dr. Schomburgk notes these facts with considerable satisfaction. He is gratified also to find that the garden is resorted to for something more than the amusement it affords. The number of people who visit it for Instruction is Increasing. It a but natural that the spectacle of beauty produced by human labor in a public in stitution should excite the desire to reproduce it, even if on a small scale, in the more humble precincts of the home. Our Botanic Garden does not simply please the vyo of the casual visitor; it refines tiie taste of numbers, who cany its lessons home with them. The report mentions a steady increase In the ranks of amateur florists, the result of which may be seen in tiie numerous cottage gardens laid out in various parts of the city and suburbs. Especially pleasant are the proofs afforded of the growing taste for floriculture among the working classes. No beauties are to be bo cheaply purchased as those which nature will distribute almost for the ask ing. The poor man, who cannot adorn the Interior of his house with valuable paintings and Btatuary, may at least make his scanty plot of ground outside radiant with flowers. The love of these beautiful objects must have a refining in fluence In any life. To the votaries of floriculture is open a healthy and pleasant form of occupation, to fill up leisure hours, that at last acquires a charm to which other and more doubtful attractions must give way. Dr. Schomburgk expresses some regret that he Is beset by diffi culties in his attempts to promote tiie taste for floricnltaral pursuits. The nurserymen complain that their trade is Injured by the too lavish dis tribution among the general public of plants, seeds, and cuttings from the garden. It will be remembered that tiie same objection has been raised to the free distribution of trees by tiie Forest De partment. Public institutions ought not, except under special circumstances, to give away what it is the business of private people to sell. But it is possible that the nurserymen somewhat exaggerate their grievance. They are, In Dr. Schom burgk's opinion, sufficiently protected by several restrictions with regard to the ex change and distribution of plants, one of which is that no ornamental plants shall be distributed until two yean after their introduction. Enthusiastic florists who see new plants in the Botanic Garden will not wait that time, but give their orders to the local seedsmen. Moreover, the nurserymen should not forget that what ever tends to extend the taste for flori culture is directly in their interests. It would be a mistake to vexatiously inter fere with Dr. Schomburgk in his praise worthy endeavors to enlarge die useful ness of the Botanic Garden as an edu cational centre. In all departments tiie report presenfas a reoordofsatisfaotory progress. Nojnerous interesting additions were made to the garden in 1887. Dr. Schomburgk con tinues to exchange with the authorities of institutions ?<tti{i?> to the Botanic Garden in other countries, and is ever on the watch to introduce new orna mental plants or pinnfrn likely to be of economic value. The Museum, of Economic Botany .fulfils an exceedingly useful purpose. It now contains no less than 8,166 objects, so well classified and arranged that the uses to which they may be applied can be readily ascer tained by the visitor. The museum is one of the most attractive features of the garden, and Is decidedly instructive to those who Its contents. Last year, owing to the Jubilee Exhibi tion, the large collection already in the museum was added to by the gift of 1,795 fresh objects, of which those presented by the Bengal Government and the Sultan of Johore were tiie most note worthy. Dr. Schomburgk describes with come minuteness the results* of his ex periments with various plants supposed to be of commercial value, or likely to eupply the farmer and grader with new and useful forms of fodder for their stock. Amongst *?"*"? "i?*tw is the Japan clover, which grows wild in California, Is eaten both by sheep and cattle, and is said to possess wonderfully fat tening properties. The attempted accli matisation of <J?V> plant has not thus **rr proved very successful. The South Aus tralian summer does not seem to suit It, but before condemning the plant Dr. Schomburgk Intends giving It a further trial. The Abyssinian food plant, the Teff, grew luxuriantly In the garden, and it is said that the grass will make excel lent hay, though it is not likely that South Australians would use the grain, as tiie Abyssinians do, for the production of flour. Dr. Schomburgk speaks highly of the sugar millet as a fodder plant, and states that the mustard, the tape, and the opium poppy can all be profitably culti vated In South Australia. In order to assist in determining the value of various plants experimented with in the garden Dr. SchombnrKk is in the habit of dis tributing seeds among farmers and others, from whom a report of their experiences is desired. It is a matter for regret that, although the seeds are freely taken, few of the recipients trouble themselves to acquaint the doctor with the results of cultivation. By way of illustration It may be mentioned that 700 packets of Japan clover seed were distributed amongst the farmers, yet only one communication in response—which stated that tiie seed did not germinate—has thus far been received. Dr. Schomburgk is carrying on a useful work, and he deserves the more hearty co-operation of the agricultural community than they have hitherto seemed disposed to give.

His Excellency the Governor will hold a levee at Government House to-day in honor of her Majesty's birthday. Gentlemen having the right of private entree wfll attend at a quarter to 18 o'olook, and the general putalio at noon, visitors will be in uniform, robes, or evening drees. A fortnight ago his Excellency the Governor sent a cablegram to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, informing him that the South Australian Government fc?^ invited feh^ Go vernments of the Australian ooloniee to meet in conf erenos on the Chinese unmigration ques tion. His Excellency went on to point out that there were preliminary fjiffirmltjfln in the way, but he was hopeful that these would be overcome and that a joint representation on the subject miaht ere long be submitted for the consideration of her Majesty's Government. In reply to this r""ii"nnination his ExoeUenoy on Wednesday reoeived the following cable —" London, May 22.1888.—Referring to your tfl^ram of 10th May, there can be no doubt that her Majesty's Government would obtain a?M?tano? from the Anstralian polonies making a Joint representation dealing with the Chinese immigration question. If the conference meets her Majesty* Government will be happy to tele graph for consideration the points for diseos aion which are important. — KOTrauo?D."

This telegram has been fomidad to the Go- ~ vernments of Victoru, New South Wales, ?e* Australia, with the following addition :— " We mb disposed to consider tit sn indica tion from file Imperial authorities of any point* on which they specially desire an explosion of the views of the conference might be of con siderable utility." . At a meeting of the Executive Council, held on Wednesday morning, the Hon. O. C. Kingston mi formally appointed a Queen'* counsel. This action to taken on the recom mendation of his Honor the Chief Justice, and it will no doubt meet with favor in the eyes of all members of the legal profession. A Bill to legalise the action of theGoveru ment in imposing a poll tax on Ohinese arriving in the Northern Territory will probably be the first measure introduced in the House of the ae?sionwhich commences on May SL The Bill wiU be of a simple oharaeter. and it is expected that it will pass both Houses without very curious opposition. There are not many holiday engagements to day. In fact football matches between the Adelaide and Sooth Adelaide dabs on the - Adelaide Oral, and the Port Adelaide and Gawlar date at Gawier. and some sports at Glenelg are the only outdoor gatherings ad vet- Used. In the afternoon the 48th anniversary of the South Australian lieaeue Gospel Tempe rance and Band of Hope Union will be cele brated by a conference in the Victoria HalL and in the evening tea and public meetings' will be held in the aame place. Tea and publio meetings in connection with the Fatreedpote Minion will be held at the Huiders-ttnet Baptist Church, There will be*military ball in the Town HalL Mr. Darrell'e drama "Hue abd Cry" will be repeated at the Theatre Boyal, Hudson's Surprise Faity will attain ap pear at Gamer** Booms, and the rink trill faa open to roller-skate devotees. Among the passengers wboarriredfrom Mel bourne by the express on Wednesday was Mr. Richardson, the ex-president, and one of the ' founders of the Protective Association of New South Wales. He was converted from hu free trade errors many years ago by the Hon. 3. ' Marian, M.1J.0., and although the principles of protection were opposed to his trade interests ae a draper he has consistently preached than in New South Wales, where they have passed from a by-word to great political power. For. eight years Mr. ?n?-y.^-n f , held the position of president of the Protective Association, and during -that time pointed out how inevitably free trade must rmn that great colony. His words, he considers, have now been fulfilled, and with an anorntou deficit ataring them in the free theipeopto ?? tuning to protection far relief.. The Meant triumphal return of protectionists to Parlia ment is but the first fruit of the work^f the association wilt which be has eo long been associated, and be look to the next general election with confidence for tin return of m protectionist majority. Me Richardson left by the afternoon train for Broken Hill, and on bis return he intends to closely study the bmwificial effects of protection in Sooth Aus tralia, the fame of the suooess of our part 33 months' experiment with an industry-fostering tariff having already spread to Sydney. The Victorian Government Gazette of May 11 has the foDowmg notice in reference to the importation of live stock from South Aus taaU:—" It having been the practice to ramft by post the entries and duties for live stock imported by rail from South a-,^;,^ it is hereby notified for general ??~**r*j?n that, for the future, entries for anon live stock must be passed at Serrieeton, and the nmal declaration signed in the presence of the officer of Customs at that place.* She vital statistic for the month of April ?how that 876 births and 304 deattn warn registered. The total of births for the year is thus brought; trnto i?6. and the deaths to 1,351. The deaths indnded 34 from dysenfay and diarrhoea, 29 from phthisis, 26 from diseases of the circulatory system, 80 from debility and ab-opby, IS from diphtheria, and 11 tarn enteric fever. Different forms of violence caused 14 deaths. Then wen two eases of suicide daring the month, both by means of banging. The following tenders wen opened at the Government offices on Wednesday, April 23; -Bupmiitrndentof Public BnadingTSapatt mrat-Painting eztenaDy pntoffiee atKrt Augusta, one tender; painting externalty conrtfaonse at Port Augusta, one tender: nmtme; externally police - station at ~ Port ~ Augusta, one tender; r*s-?-?r externally OdtomJnonse at tort ArSu?UTonTtanda^ making new Idtche.TrtteSS^S Bdoaoe, PWham, two tenders, McSongaU and Gow lower. EngineeHn-CfueHi Depart mini TffiiiiiTstluni. anpply, ??h delivery of lama for Btflway Department^ two tendon, W. J. Bawlini lower; supply and delivery of Pjetiai^raitoforoattleyatcis.ftfc, futeuJea, "? H. Motphett; supply anddeUvery of American ash, one tender. At a meeting of the Sooth Australian Coav irii?iiin fnr <jy *** '"^in WriiiWi; m held on Wednesday, bis Rx^ji^^ the Governor reuniting. 8b Samnel Davenport, one of the ?iecuU>e commissioners, read as exhaustive report, in which he gave a genetal description of the South AnatraVan court and theesluoita.and mferred at length to the ad vantages likely to accrue to the colony bum it* representation. SirSamaelwasaooordeda hearty vote of Hanks for the report. A sensation was caused at Glenelg on Wed nesday afternoon by the news of the death by bis own band of Mr. Wen. Orosby. a retired Btoresxeper,of&amsgat?sfaeat Xtsesmstbat the deceased, who bad been under the can of DbDunlop for eoftening of the brain, went into his coachhouse between 3 and 4 o'clock PJbu, and there snspwndwi himself from a croai beam by means of a supe. Mrs. Orosby discovered the body, and cut it down, life being found to be extinct. The nttfortunato man was only some 96 years of age. ?n inquest will be held at file Pier Hotel this morning. A committee meeting of the Chamber of Commerce waaheM on Wednesday, there baing present Messrs. W. Herbert Phiflrops (presj denl), Iu P. Tjawrenoe, O. H. Goods, J. K. Thomas, &. Straehen, O. loader, Kehd. Smith, John Gordon, 1L O. K Mnecke, and *. & a Driffidd (secretory). ... The matter of the aMioiwihtng wonfwrenca at Sydney on June 6 of the chambers of two delegates at tiie request and invitation of the Melbourne Ghamber of Manufactures was referred to, and ft was deanud deniable that tt?hould be undarstood that tite chamber was not disposed to incur any emanate in con- - nection therewith. A letter from M>. J. W. Cotton was read calling attention tothewotk ing of the Insolvency Act as at present worded, by which, though a debtor is bound to con vene a meeting of his creditors lawanwdly to consult their wishes rnsiywlang his estate), yet before the date of anoh meeting bTbouS legally declare himself naolrenk leaving tiiesa poWedess in the matter. Sonw farther aotn epondenrje was read respecting the freeboard, of vessels earning grain caroms, and thnaaora tary was insbooted to write again to the Underwriters' Association. The following wne duly elected members of the chamner^- Tbe Federal Bank, Mean. J. McGiUhrist; W. C. Boflt, Kdward K*y. H. W; Thompson. Charles Wfloox, and MeOor Bros. Daring the fa'^ of tiie Uelbonme Zntar natwnal Exhibition the Melboume Ohamber of Commerce intend to gather tngothw an many representatives of the various colonial. English, and foreign ebamberaas is possible, in order to have a representative meebng of the chambers, at which anbteets of mercaatila interest to the ?lnmM?3tnfir nbttontoths home country will be discussed. The asating of the conference will be arranged as near as possible in tite last week of October, as at that time tiie Rxfaibition wfll not only be at its height, but it may be expected that the weather will be favorable, and the great attractions of the Melbourne Gap and many other amnanmwibi of the kind occur about the same ttsae. Circulars have been tent by tiie Melbourne chamber to the chambers of thenaUbormg colonial, as well as to tbote in Kngtand, invKngttcir 00-operabon in the acheme, and aakine ttwm to pot the cireulars before theic meetings so that any of their members who intend visiting the Exhi bition may, if possibJe,tnne their visit so as to be able to nuke the gathering as successful as it would be representstive. A few dayswul be devoted to the express purpose of showing the various members tiie difEerent faotoriesai well as plaoas of general interest in and around Melbourne, and no doubt then will be ?Z? t?ualkindof festrvities in the eveaings which accompany the oolleoting together of men front many parts seeking to promote' objects of The many friends of Mr. E. B. Ganaien,ffae English barristtf, formerly a member of the firm of Messrs. ToUey & Gaasden, soliators,of this city, will learn with regret that he ene combed to typhoid fever at Broken HiU on Wednesday. Mr.Gausden'sgeoialgoodnature and many social qualities made him ? general favorite in professional circles, and the news of his untimely demon will be received with profound tenet. He was the son of the late Mr. GansdeMor aeveral years mayor of Hastings, England; and in 1878 ha-entered Trinity fTnllfei PM"*??r>g's where be met Mr. 8. C ToUey, hn partner of later years. In 18S1 he graduated win honor* inartsandlaw. He was called to the English bar at the Middto Temple in the aame year, and after prafita?ng his profession in London for a short time he came to this colony, and entered into partnership with Mr. TttOsy. He practised in Adelaide until October, -. 1887, when he became put proprietor of the SOter Age, and took up his vasafenoe at Silver ton, fie was called to the New South Wales bar in April 1888, end entered into ptaetue at Broken HOI. He was seuefl with typhoid, fever on May 9, and the disease made soon rapid progrew that his mnrtioal attendants ts fua9dtoUActio?.hu cemoralto a more sals-

briom district. He m surrounded by fait friends and relatives, and at onoe teriod ia his iuu ft wu thought th?t the fever ?u subsiding before the em that was lavished on the patient. His fine physique and splendid constitution would, it was thought, have pulled him through even bo serious an illness as typhoid, and his death was for this reason unexpected in the city. Although since hie arrival in the colony the deceased took no part in athletic*, he was in bis school days a brilliant oarsman. He was for years stroke of the Hastings four, and sained distinction as a sculler at Cambridge. He was exceedingly popular among all classes on the Barrier, and will be much misaed on the silver ?elds. A deputation from the City Council, consist ing of his Worship the Mayer (Sir Bdwin Smith, M.P,)i Aldermen Solomon, M.P., Kath, M.P., and Shaw, and the to am clerk (Mr. X. Worsnop), waited on the Commissioner of Public Works (Hon. A. Catt) on Wednes day morning to ask the Government to con tribute one moiety of the cost of applying tb<? fmoke test to the drainage system of Adelaide. The Mayor said that toe deputation were appointed by the City Council to wait on the Government in reference to the object just mentioned. They did not think they were ??king the Government too much when the htalth of the citizens, was concerned. The council were quite willing to levy a rate to con tribute one moiety of the cost of systematically testing the drains by means of the smoke test. 'This, his wonbip thought, would not exceed £300 or £400, or a total of say £800, so that the sum asked for was not a large one. The money required, would not have to be contributed by the country, but could come out of the money borrowed for drainage pur poses; and he thought when such an im portant question as the health of the citizens of the metropolis was concerned the Govern ment would give the matter their favorable consideration. Alderman Shaw pointed out that owing to the formation of the ground in the city heavy bufldinga bad a tendency to sub side, and this had the effect of straining tbe joints in tike drains, and causing an escape of gas. The practice of throwing refuse down the drains was another source of danger, as a stoppage being caused the effluvium instead of panning through the Hi-?n? was forced back. Solomon and Alderman Nash sup ported the latter, punting oat that when tiie *' suburban principalities" were connected with the deep drainage system the matter wouldhave obtained much greater importance than at pre cent, TheOopm>i^;,-.BBr,inreply,gajdthcm?tter had only been brought under hu notice a short time previously, and he had hardly bad oppor tunity to considfT it at he should have liked. He had had an interview with the officer who had charge of the work, and be felt with them that it was absolutely neoessavy that something should be done in the matter. (Hear, hear.) As they were doubt lea aware, a great many of these connections, some three or four thousand per haps, had been made before the smoke test was vpplxed. He felt it was necessary that some thing i&onld be done, but as to what was best he was not at the present juncture prepared to ?ay. In the rearrangement of offices that was to be made he thought they would be able to set aside one officer for the special purpose of testing fiie drains, and if not some other ar rangement would have to be made. He pro mised to consult with the mayor before doing Anything, to order that an arrangement of mutual benefit to the corporation and the Go vernment might 1? arrived at, as he fully TPongniwefl the gravity of the question. A huge number of rinkera took the floor at the Columbia Palace on Wednesday evening, and on the whole a marked improvement on previous "form" was noticeable. There was a capital attendance at Gamer's Sooms on Wednesday evening, when the pro gramme Hahmittnrt by Hodson's Surprise Party met wife mdvenal approbation. The following probates (over £500) .have been granted during the six days ended Wednesday, May 33:-Mary Matters, of Semaphore, £4,000; Thompson Priest, of Mintaro, £3,000. Advice hu been received by Messes. E. Tanghton & Co. from Mr. G. It. Debney of a faUof 2J inches of rain at Monkira station. Diamantina River, 6a May 12, the rain still continuing steadily when the telegram was dispatched. Elsewhere appears fthe prospectus of Pitt, Son, & Badffsry, Tamited, a oompany to be loaned for taking over the stock, station, sad agency business of the Sydney firm named. The nominal capital is £100,000 in £1 shares, tut it is intended to caD up only IDs. a share. Miss Yob Finkelstein delivered her second and final lecture at Port Adelaide on Wednes day evening in the local Town HalL There was a crowded attendance, sod the proceedings passed off moat successfully. To-morrow night tiie lady wSI appear again in the Adelaide Town Hall to repeat her lecture on "The Homes and Haunts of Jesus." The Theatre Royal is bang patronised by large numbers of persons to witness G. Damn's sterling drama, "Hue and Cry." To night being a public holiday should attract a lance attendance of country visitors. " Hoe and Cry" will be played for the last time to morrow, when his Excellency the Governor has signified his intention of bong present. The following ordett were issued from the Staff Office on Wednesday:—lnfantry Brigade —Field officer, MajorHarrold, A.E.; Ist Battalion, C Company; Oaptatn Medlyn and Lieutenant Stevens. HisExoeuency the Go vernor has been pleased to appoint Louis Patrick Fay to be lieutenant on probation in the Volunteer Force, dated May 16, 1883. Lieutenant L. P. Fay is hereby posted to Q Company, Enrelia Mounted Bines, and is ap pointed to ftrwmnand the same from May 16. A petition was is wealed to the Gomnus cioner of Crown Lands on Wednesday by Messrs, Hook and Horn, mambeM for Flinders, on behalf of 26 nridents in tie hundreds of Wrenf otdatey and Rounsevell, Miring that the long felt want of s> storing place for thw merchandise might be supplied. The CVlimT**ff"* iw complied with the request, and issued instructions for the surveying of land in the vicinity of Scales Bay for the pur pose. An important sad what promises to be an exatisg football match wffl be played on the Adelaide Oral to-day between tin Adelaide and South Adelaide dubs. This is the first association match between these two clubs. The Norwoods play the second ????*?* of the series in Victoria to-day against Port Mel bourne; and arrangements have been made for tiie result to be wired to the oval, and it will be ported on the scoring-board. The following uniform reduced rates of postage on correspondence sent via Briodisi or Naples to any country in Europe, on and after May 1, 1888, have been approved of by the Governor in Council, viz. :—Letters—For every*oz. or under,6d. Newspapers—Each, Id. P*ckets-Notexaeedingl<?.,ld.; exceed ing 1 o*., but not exoeeding3<w,2d.; exceed ing 2 oi. but not exoeeding4oc,4d.; for every additional 4 or., or under, 44. "Bed Biding Hood" was successfully re peated m All Saints' schoolroom, ?fo^H.?th. btfore a good audience on Wednesday even ing. The youthful performers deservedly won the plaudits of then- hearers. The cart was difthUy altered from the previous performance: —Eose, was taken by Miss Anne Whitney; Buttercup, by Miss Eva Stoekdale: and Sobin, by Master Fted. Vardon. Mr. G. H, Blaekman was the conductor; Miss Death, piaout; and Mr. Bparks, flautist. The eueoen of the drama was onnstrtnrably enhanced by the untiring zeal of Misses Gason, J. Whitney, and Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Reid, and also of the scenic artist, Mr. Jfi. DeoelL The members of the Fairview Dramatic Club gave a repetition of "Milky White" at Fair view Hall, Kermode-stnet. North Adelaide, on Wednesday evening. The zoom ia which the entertainment was held was well filled with visitors. The pgrfor""""?''. recognising that those who took part wen young ama teurs, was of considerable merit althoagh tome of U?e parts wen madeHratner ?noce taracal than was absolutely necessary. ¥%*^ *? M U^ m% ??-??53r White, Mr. I*.E. Sanadecs; Dick Dogea, Mr. IjTa. Gol ?g? Af*ibakl Good, Mrffc. G^tlSde Boy. Mr. A. Lenne; Mo. Saddrip, Mr, F. S. Meyers ;Ani^WWV,Mrr?!^mon. The locomotive Apprentice Band rendered the overture, aad Mr. E. Tomsard gave three Bongs in a manner which evidently greatly [?i^?a?*n the audience. Good progress is being made with the work <* ezettipg a lighthouse on Cape Everard. a headland on the Niiiety-MUe?eaofa rftbe Victorian coast. Tenders ware originally called for the work doringthe latter portion of 1887 (eays the Aeej.^B* PuUiTworks Department, through some carious blunder, stipulated that the lighthouse should be constructed of stone, and when officers of the department visited Oape Everard to celeet the site they discovered Out there was no stone of a suitable character in the locality. The plans sad specifications had therefore to be remodelled to provide that the structure should be built of concrete cement. The lighthouse now in course of eceotion will occupy a commanding position 900 feet from toe edge el the diO, aad will be K? feet abova the level of the sea. The tower will be 98 feet hub, the base being 76 feet above the sea leveL The light is to be of the first-dans dioptric order, and will throw a double flash every 30 seconds. The arc to be illuminated is 210?, 22? of which will show red to the east, 188? white to eeawardf-and 20? red to the wast. In addition to toe ?boveit will shows, belt of red light over an arc of 188?. It will be invisible beyond a range of one mile from the diff. Bus provision iaa.new one, suggested to Mr. A. Wilson, fO?iaeer >n fbsigeof port, andharbots, by the loss of the niUUd stasmarLyeenioon/ It may be termed the line of danger. Immediately the master olia vessel observes the red streak it is a vatuog to him to bearoff farther from tiie shore. Ttae new light will be of the utmost

value, as it is stated that mariners will be able to pick it op in ordinary weather before losing the Cliffy Island light. The same will apply to tiie Gabo Island beacon, which will come within view before that on Cape Everard dies out. A special committee meeting of the Adelaide Ohe?S Club was held at Mr. Shnttleworth'a rooms on Tuesday, Mr. Shattleworth, the president, being in the chair. Mr. Char lick brought forward the subject of the publi cation and sale of "The Adelaide Chess Con gress" pamphlet His statement showed a balance of £14 10s. Bd. in favor of the dab fund?. It was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Cheedle, seconded by Mr. Sibbald. that a hearty vote of thanks be tendered to Mr. Charlick for his indefatigability in the matter, not only as editor, but for the satisfactory manner in which he had carried out all the ar rangements of tie sale, &c. The matter of the dub men and boards was then brought for ward by the president, who, amongst other remarks, stated that for years the dub bad been greatly inconvenienced by the want of uniformity in this respect, more espe cially as regards the men. Some years ago a fund was started, but it never came to much; but having regard to the profit derived from the sale of the pamphlet he thought some steps might be taken in tiie matter. It was therefore proposed by Mr. Cheadle and seconded by Mr. Sibbald—"That having regard to the state of the dub funds the secretary be empowered to order 16 sets of dub size 'Stauuton' chess tten. The boards to be left for future con sideration.'' The motion was carried. Mr. Charlick then brought forward the subject of the Centennial Chess Congresa to be held in Victoria. After some slight discussion it was resolved to vote the sum of two guineas from the dub funds. On Tuesday evening a complimentary social was given to Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Auld on the occasion of their leaving Auldana. The pro gramme started with an overture, "Souvenir." by the band, under the direction of Mr. W. Coward, and continued with a song by Mr. A. Barker, " Queen of the earth;" a song by Miss Hawkins, "Forget, forgive;" another by a lady, "Tell her I love her so;" and Miss Jnry sang " The lost chord " (Sullivan), and in response to an imperative encore gave "Home, sweet home." A song by Miss Lindstrom came next, after which Sir Edwin T. Smith, on behalf of a number of friends, presented Mr. Auld with an address beautifully engraved and bound, and in doing so referred to the many years (32) he had known him, first in connection with the Kensington Insti tute, and afterwards as a volunteer. He referred in flattering terms to Mr. Auld's exploits as a member of the late Mr. Stuart's exploring trip across the con- tinent, and socially he described him as above praise. Mr. H. K. Downer, whose words were few and to the point, referred to Mr. Auld's social qualities, and to his readi ness at all times to work for and assist in any thing for their benefit. He asked his accep- tance of a purse of 100 sovereigns. Mr. Auld, in reply, said he bad expected the address to him, but the purse took him completely by surprise. He expressed his thanks in feeling terms, and said he left Auldana, where he had been living for 43 years, with deep regret. Further musical numbers were then gone through, and every thing passed off well. The address was as follows:—"To W. P; Auld, Esq. Your numerous friends feel that they cannot allow you to leave without some manifestation of qualities and general disposition. They there fore ask your acceptance of this address, de signed to convey and embody their high sense of your valuable assistance in all matters having for their aim the advancement of the district in which you have resided for so many years, and we can assure you that your depar ture from the district is a source of deep regret, which is only tempered by the earnest hope that future prosperity to yourself and family may attend your exertions in your new home. —We are, dear sir, yours faithfully, E. T. Smith, chairman; Reginald W. Wright, secretary.*' ______^___ FRIENDLY SOCIETIES. The half-yearly finance meeting of Court Temperance, A.0.F., was held in tiie court room, Seehabite Hall, Grote-street, on Tues day, Mr. W. J. Xiewberry being in the chaw. The balance-sheet and "iitifrm' (and trustees' reports were read, showing the progress made durmg the half-year. The receipts were:— Ccintnbntions, indnding levies, £350 15s. Id.; entrance fees, £S Us.; interest. Si* 14*. Gd.; notifies and goods, £3 6*. Bd.; surgeons" fees on account of families, £16 10s.: total, £3(6 17s. 3d. The payments were:—Sick-pay, £104 18a, 4d.; gifts to members, £7 10*.; surgeons' fees, £6510*.; district on aooount of funeral, £59 6s. Gd.; salaries, £26; cent, £5; sundry expenses,£l66s. ad.; total, £881 10s. This showed an increase in funds of £63 7*. 3d. during the half-year; the cash on loan being £1,84fj in the bank, £17 6*. 3d.; in the Savings Bank, £122 IS*. 6d.; and in the hand, of the treasurer., £6 Ss. lid. The total fund* amounted to £1.988105. 7d. The officers for the ensuing half-year were elected as follows: —E. AloockO.B., J. Anderaon&O?, K. E. Alcoek F.&A: treasurer. E. A. H. Madge M.&. A.J. Orchard 6.W., G. Moole J.W M W. Holland 5.8., J. Ellis J.8.; delegates to the annual .district meetings P.O.C.E.'* Anderson and Holland. The usual testi monial was voted to the retiring O.fiV, which was suitably acknowledged by Bid. Newberry. At a meeting of tiie benevolent fund com mittee in connection with the South Australian Ancient Ordetjaf Foresters' Friendly Society, held on May S3, the sum of £S2 2s. was-voted for the relief of certain distressed members, and in one iniiraimn to help the widow of a deceased member. There was one extraordinary case, in which the ~""?"S**fr robed a sum to a member of the order. His age was 79, and he bad been a member of tiie order for 85 years. During the whole of that time be had never claimed any sick pay, and even now he was not unwell, but requires some assistance in bis old age. A juvenile tent in connection with the Pride of Northern Star Tent Female Branch Albert Diataet;X.O.B.. was opened by P.D.C.R. Bro. Bev. W. B.Btepbenson, district superintendent of juvenile teats, on Tuesday evening in the Beebabita Hall, Portland. Eighteen pirls of ages varying from eight to fifteen were initiated, and tiie following members wen chosen to fill the various offices for the first term:—B.M., Miss B. Bowdeu; J.M., Miss 3. M. Gilbert; levito. Miss a Bennett; guardian. Miss M. A, White; aup?rintwndwit, P.C.B. F. Weaver, of adult tent; junior superintendents. Miss Dixon. S.M., and Miss Channon, J.M., of adult tent. It was resolved that this tent be named the "Pride of Northern Star Juvenile T?nt, No, 82." The newly-elected offioers were duly installed, and the D.B.J.T. then addressed the girls, urging them to be attentive to their tent duties. A vote of M?m?v^ having been passed to the presiding officer, and duly aoknosr ledged, those present regaled themselves with refreshments provided by the sisters ol the adult tent.